DVD backup free options for Windows 10

GnarlyKnuckles on 22/08/2017 - 01:01

I have been given a bunch of original 'Thomas the Tank Engine' DVDs that are all pretty scratched up, but miraculously still all working/playing through. I want to know what the best free software/combination/s of free software are that are currently available to do any (or preferably all) of the following:

  1. Copy the original (protected) DVDs onto new RW discs. I want the burned discs to behave exactly the same as the originals (i.e. allow the user to choose which episode/s to play when they are inserted into a DVD player, etc.). Of course for some of them I will need to incorporate a conversion process of some sort in order to bring them down to the size of a RW DVD, 4.7 MB. This is the highest priority 'task' within this list.

  2. Another thing I would like to do is use each original source disc to generate a 'DivX'-type file (or whatever the current equivalent is?) that is simply one consolidated/continuously-running 'movie' file of about 700 MB, consisting of all the episodes on the disc.

  3. Lastly, I'd like to convert the individual episodes on each disc to individual .mp4 files.

Does anyone out there know what is the best free software available at the moment for doing these things?

I was 'all over' this scene/info many years ago, when the best free software out there for doing these things was (as far as I could gather) 'DVDshrink', 'Nero', 'Freemake', and 'Handbrake'… But now DVDshrink is no longer supported/seems problematic in Windows 10, Freemake does not process 'protected' DVDs, the free version of Nero does not seem to result in burned DVDs that function like the original in a DVD player, etc.

Any advice on any of the above would be greatly appreciated. It's funny that doing all of the above used to be so easy many years ago, when I was perhaps (occasionally) ripping DVDs I did not actually own, but now that I am revisiting the realm with a bunch of original DVDs I legitimately own/want to backup/convert to .mp4 files for use in the car etc. it has become much harder/more complex! The main problem seems to be the lack of decent open-source software that is current/maintained/Windows 10 compatible (32-bit). In line with trends of recent years, now it seems that almost all 'free' software puts on a watermark, is limited to 5 minutes of video converted, is limited to a trial period of a few days, etc.

Sigh.

Computing

Comments

  • sprucemoose92 on 22/08/2017 - 02:21

    Hey,

    I would also like to know the solution to your problem as I have a few DVDs/Blurays I would like to make into MP4's so I can store them on my phone for travel and to have on a USB/ Hard Drive.

    I recently tried Handbrake as it was one of the highest rated ones, but it didn't allow me to copy anything with copyright protection on.

    Even if someone (although not the Ozbargain way) could recommend some cheap paid for software since sometimes Free Software will just give you a nice virus.

    Thanks

  • PJC on 22/08/2017 - 03:05

    My wife's latest car battery was installed by an NRMA worker who created DVD Shrink. Sony sued him for everything he had - he previously owned a Ford dealership.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/08/2017 - 04:20

      Does spackbace install batteries now?

    • Nugs on 22/08/2017 - 06:51

      DVD Shrink for ISO creation, and then Decrypter for burning.
      full functionality as OP has requested in option 1.
      no idea where you would get them from.

      • ethan16 on 22/08/2017 - 11:35

        Mr Google is your friend

  • garetz on 22/08/2017 - 03:39

    You need a different program for each part of the process these days. You would need deamon tools or equivalent to make the write protected disk readable, then a program to create an iso. Then copy the iso to the physical disk. It will only work if what you are copying is smaller than what you are copying to obviously.

    "Of course for some of them I will need to incorporate a conversion process of some sort in order to bring them down to the size of a RW DVD, 4.7 MB. This is the highest priority 'task' within this list."

    As far as this goes, its impossible.

    Ripping the video is a totally different skillset. There are many guides you can look up.

  • Dave Id on 22/08/2017 - 03:41

    DVD Shrink 3.2.0.15 still works with Windows 10.
    I keep a spare laptop,with my own music and movies,packed in my hospital bag along with clothing and pajamas.Heart condition.
    BluRays are for my home theatre set up :)

  • [Deactivated] on 22/08/2017 - 04:22
    +1

    Is Thomas the tank on piratebay? I know the fat controller is but probably not age appropriate for your kids.

  • rover on 22/08/2017 - 10:12
    +1

    DVD43 makes it easier to use software like Freemake.

    Handbrake is convenient for ripping.

    DVDShrink, while not supported, still works.

    Or so I hear, I wouldn't know about these things from personal experience.

  • Baysew on 22/08/2017 - 10:43

    DVD Shrink still works on Windows 10.

    ImgBurn to write to DVD.

    However, I wonder if there is any need to 'shrink' to 4.7GB and burn a disc. Just save as full size .iso file. Hard Drives are so cheap now. Big saving on time as well.

  • ethan16 on 22/08/2017 - 11:33

    Just a comment on Dvdshrink
    The final versions are 3.2.0.15 (English) and 3.2.0.16 (German); all other versions, such as DVD Shrink 2010, are scams
    The software was finalised in 2005 after dcma ordered it's removal

  • awelch on 22/08/2017 - 11:49

    For question #3 - does it need to be .mp4? MakeMKV is a great utility for saving each video directly into .mkv files. The free trial is fully functional but time-limited.

  • GnarlyKnuckles on 25/08/2017 - 13:09

    Thank you all very kindly for your learned responses, they're very much appreciated.

  • alvian on 26/08/2017 - 12:54

    I don't know if this comment will be deleted by a mod, as the legal status of the software mentioned is dubious.

    DVDFAB will do all that you wanted. Remove copy protection, duplicate, copy with shrink, convert, and more. This is not free software, but…

    Pirated portable version also available. It is ironic that a pirating software is itself being pirated.

    Antivirus software will complain bitterly about it and you'll have to add an exception.

    Links are deliberately not included for obvious reasons.

  • stepler on 20/05/2020 - 12:46

    I see your question and glad to help you. If you want to copy your DVD or Convert your DVD, all in one from DVDFab own powerful functions and you can find copy, converter, Ripper, Cinavia removal, etc. I'm sure you will happy to know that.

    • Baysew on 21/05/2020 - 15:20

      I'm sure you will happy to know that.

      May have been happier to know that 3 years ago.

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